He also announced that 1,700 women will be recruited in the police department.

With this the strength of women in the police department will raise to eight per cent, he said, adding the target of 10 per cent would be achieved in the near future.

The Chief Minister said the this scheme would be initially implemented in the twin districts of Karnal and Mahendergarh.

Khattar said the Mahila Police Volunteer would be called as Gram Sakhi and they would work as a bridge between the public and the police to curb crimes against women.

Under this scheme, one Gram Sakhi each would be deputed in each village and ward of Karnal and Mahendergarh.

Describing the initiative as a "model system of policing", the Chief Minister said each volunteer would be given a monthly honorarium of Rs 1,000.

He said under the scheme, a Gram Sakhi, on getting information about any crime against a woman in her area, would directly report to the police on behalf of the victim.

Khattar urged Gram Sakhis to work as Mahila Ki Mitar (Womens friend) and keep a close vigil in their respective areas for crimes against women.

The Chief Minister said the government has set up Women Police Stations in 22 districts of the state and they have "proved very successful in curbing crimes against women."

Referring to the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhoa scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Panipat on January 22, 2015, Khattar said it is for the first time that the sex ratio at birth has crossed 900 mark in the state.

He said that it is being ensured that there is a women college after a distance of every 20 km and the girls do not have to travel more than 10 km for want of higher education.

Khattar also appreciated the efforts of khap panchayasts or caste councils of Haryana and other non-governmental organisations for helping the government in improving the sex ratio in the state.

Earlier, Nair said the idea of Mahila Police Volunteer has been conceived as a Special Protection Officer.

She congratulated the Haryana government for adopting the initiative and becoming the first state in the country to do so.

Nair said Mahila Police Volunteers would work towards creating a safe and secure atmosphere for the women by providing instant information to the police regarding various crimes at public places like eve-teasing, stalking and also about dowry and domestic violence. PTI SUN AQS RG AQS AQS

This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.

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